The interest aroused by the holding of the first monthly handicap last Saturday was remarkable, and, as anticipated, the event constitutes a record in the club's history.
With ideal weather, almost perfect preparations, a good course, a large entry, and the race anything but a foregone conclusion, it is small wonder that success placed its seal upon the day. The distance was five miles on the road, the starts running out to seven and a half minutes. There were seventeen starters, and every one finished the course, illustrative of an enthusiasm which augurs well for the club's fortunes.
From the commencement of the race it was clear that surprises were in store; several novices running strongly if not with too much wisdom. There were, however, two exceptions in the names of S. Gurnell (4mins. start) and G. Mole (4mins, start) who gradually forged ahead until they led the field at three miles. It was then quite evident that, barring accidents, the destination of two prizes was beyond doubt. This state of affairs continued to the end, and Gurnell getting away by himself won easily from Mole, who dealt like treatment to S. L. Brookes, who arrived home third. This position might have been otherwise filled but for the faulty judgment of Monks on the last mile. The first twelve placings were as follows :-
Time. Starts
M. s. M. s.
1 S. Gurnell 26 45 4 0
2 G. Mole 28 59 3 30
3 S. L. Brookes 29 46 4 0
4 P. E. Wilcox 30 2 4 15
5 P. T. Monks 30 19 3 30
6 J. McGuire 30 22 4 0
7 T. J. Brookes 30 23 0 30
8 W. S. Brookes 30 45 1 30
9 J. B. Barley 30 46 sc.
10 W. F. Parry 31 47 1 30
11 W. N. Talbot 32 23 4 30
12 C. N. Hudson 35 2 1 45
It will at once be seen that the handicap times were exceedingly warm, and also that the novices were well in the running. Some may take exception to the generous methods of the handicappers in dealing with new runners, but there can be no doubt as to its value in meeting their need for encouragement a fact which is lost sight of in many clubs. It is perhaps too early to speak of the material brought to light in this race, but the performance of Gurnell in actually doing the fastest time in this, his first race, and Mole's, who was also out for the first time make the club's prospects for an important fixture in March next, look extremely rosy.
The capacity of starter and timekeeper was ably filled by Mr. A. H. Blake, and Mr. Harvey adjudicated.
To-day (Saturday) Homecroft hold their first, inter-club run, their visitors being Liverpool Oddfellows. As two medals are offered for members scoring the most points in these contests with other clubs, it is expected that there will be no small amount of competition for positions in the counting "six."
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 27/10/1906
Ref 2873